A Guide to FTA Receiver - Part 1

by Sammy Satellite. – Staff Writer for n2news

When choosing an FTA receiver it is important to know some of the basic differences that make receivers unique. There are many receivers on the market and picking your first receiver can seem daunting at first. Here are some basic differences between receivers that may make the choice easier.

Standard Definition receivers (sometimes called SD) output signals in the most universal and compatible format. Normal television and most Cable TV signals are sent in “Standard Definition” so this is what you are most likely already using. If you check your Cable TV Boxor existing satellite receiver and you have a Yellow RCA Cable plugging into your TV or you are simply receiving TV over-the-air using an antenna then you are using Standard Definition. Please see our images section for pictures of the yellow RCA cable, a Coax Cable, or an S-Video cable as all of these mean you are watching “Standard Definition” TV right now. Sammy’s bottom line, if you currently get Basic Cable or watch TV from an antenna and you are happy with the picture or your TV is less than 27”, go with Standard Definition.

High Definition receivers (HDTV) output signals to your TV using newer technology. In order to use an HD receiver, your TV must support component input cables or HDMI. It may be a good idea to read our article “Is the High Price for High Def Worth it?” for more information on HD content. Sammy’s bottom line, if your TV has the ability to handle Component Input or HDMI then an investment in an HD capable receiver may be worth the money.

Another popular feature available on some models is a “PVR”. You may think of a PVR as “TIVO” although not all PVR systems are made the same. At a basic level, a receiver that includes a PVR offers the ability to record a show and somehow watch it later. Having the ability to watch the shows and movies on your own schedule is one of the greatest advances in TV ever but not all PVRs are created the same so check carefully if you’re looking into a PVR. Sammy’s bottom line, FTA receivers don’t have the same level of PVR as a TIVO® but keep this feature on your radar if you have a busy schedule.

There are a huge number of channels that may or may not be configured on your FTA receiver and keeping them under control is important. Some models offer the ability to group channels into “Favorites” and some even have multiple folders allowing different members of the family to organize the channels they watch and skip the channels they don’t. Sammy’s bottom line, if you have kids or a wife you may want to look for Favorites and Parental Controls on your next receiver.

Next generation receivers have all types of fun features that take advantage of the Internet. Some models may offer Radio Streaming or the ability to download icons representing the available channels. These models are usually reserved for the techies who love to tinker but if you have the time to learn and the patience to ask questions then these exclusive cutting edge features can be very rewarding.

The final thing to look at when considering a new receiver is the team behind it. Check out our support forums and see how active the section is that deals with the receiver you are considering. Take a look at our Guide to Posting Questions article and feel free to ask questions about the receivers you are considering. Sammy’s bottom line, a well supported brand with fewer features is a better investment if you are just getting started.

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